Carcinoma of the pancreas and periampullary region: a clinical study in a district general hospital.

One hundred patients with pancreatic and periampullary carcinoma have been reviewed. Diabetes mellitus may be an early presentation. Painless jaundice has a relatively good prognosis. Fifteen patients have had curative procedures with a 31 per cent operative mortality. Mortality is influenced by age and serum bilirubin levels. Where palliative procedures are undertaken, this should include biliary diversion and gastro-enterostomy.